Standardization in the Field of Quantum Technologies – ISO/IEC/JTC3
As quantum technologies transition from research to commercial applications, the need for standardization has become increasingly critical.
As quantum technologies transition from research to commercial applications, the need for standardization has become increasingly critical. This effort encompasses various quantum domains, including quantum computing, quantum simulation, quantum metrology, quantum communication, and the foundational technologies underpinning them. A unified approach to terminology and protocols will accelerate innovation and ensure seamless integration across industries.
To address this need, the IEC/ISO Joint Technical Committee (JTC) 3 on Quantum Technologies was established. The committee, whose secretariat is managed by the United Kingdom, currently includes 27 participating countries and 11 observer countries including Belgium. It is tasked with coordinating standardization efforts and aligning them with related sector-specific committees to foster consistency across applications of quantum technologies.
Key Milestones and Upcoming Meetings
The inaugural meeting of the JTC 3 committee took place in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2024. This event marked a significant step toward global collaboration in quantum standardization. The next plenary meeting is scheduled for Q2 2025, but its location has yet to be finalized. Two proposals are under consideration: Sanya, Hainan Province in China, and Tokyo, Japan. A final decision is expected by the end of 2024.
Advancing Standardized Quantum Vocabulary (JTC3/47/NP)
One of the early initiatives under JTC 3, led by the U.S. National Committee, focuses on developing a standardized quantum photonics vocabulary. As quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and communication advance, creating clear and consistent terminology is essential for industry growth.
Quantum information technologies encompass a wide array of fields, such as superconductors, atom traps, and quantum optics. Central to many of these fields are single-photon technologies, which play a critical role in tasks like maintaining quantum coherence over distances and reading quantum states. These technologies, originating from classical optics and optoelectronics, have evolved with ad-hoc terminology. Over time, this has resulted in inconsistencies and overlaps, complicating fair comparisons and technological development.
The Importance of Standardization
Establishing standardized terminology and frameworks will streamline innovation, enable more accurate benchmarking, and facilitate the growth of the quantum industry. With its global collaboration and focus on harmonizing efforts, JTC 3 aims to set the foundation for quantum technologies to reach their full potential, driving advancements across science, technology, and commerce.